Sick Yorkie

[terrierfan]

Need some advice. IM HEARTBROKEN I adopted a Yorkie from the vet clinic I work at. She was mistreated and underweight. She was 3 at the time I got her (She's now 4) So I have had her for a year. All of a sudden she stopped eating. I had our internal medicine doctor do a ultrasound, x-rays and of course bloodwork. The bloodwork came back high. I asked her even though she's four do you think she could have a liver shunt. We tested for it. Sure enough there was one. We took her to surgery the next day to find out she had MULTIPLE SHUNTS in which they can't fix. We did biopies and found out she has what they call a fatty liver. In which there is no way to fix it. The doctor told me we would have to treat her as though she was in liver failure. I have her on a special diet (low fat) and Science diet L/D dog food. This is a big chance for me and of course "Lacey". Her appetite is back and she wants everything the other dog gets. She's bouncing around like a terrier Im also going to try Acupt. on her next week. I'm so sick about all of this. Even when I write this I'm crying. I saved her from a bad situation and there is nothing I can do for her this time. My question to everyone. What can I feed her that she might like. She doesn't like carrots. I really haven't tried alot of veggies yet. The L/D I baked it so she thought it was a treat. She did eat it. But it was an effort. Any suggestions??? She does like yougart but thats not enough for her. Thanks everyone for help. I still plan to get her around for sometime!!!!

[yorkiejunkie]

So sorry to hear you are going through this. Your little one was very fortunate to get you.

I know very little about LS. Sadly, and GLADLY!

If your little one is allowed veggies, mine Looooovvvve frozen green beans, and pumpkin. I buy the cans, put little blops on a cookie sheet (lined with wax paper) and freeze it. I feed it frozen. my gang also loves Cheerios, which are low (or no) fat.

[shodanusmc]

I am no food expert, but I commend you for rescuing her from a bad situation, and doing what you can for her. What food types does your vet recommend? I know a lot of folks her will jump in and give you suggestions. Hoping for the best for you guys.

[kalina82]

I"m sorry to hear your yorkie has multiple shunts. Did you do a bile acid test on her before the surgery? Just wondering what the numbers were.

There are many people here who have dogs with liver problems unfortunately. My yorkie has MVD as well but she is asymptomatic. I don't have to have her a on special diet. Some here recommend the royal canin liver diet over the hills liver diet i believe. Others home cook or feed a very low protein regular dog kibble. There are also supplements that can be given. I don't do any of this so hopefully others will come along and tell you their experiences.

Usually with diet, supplements, and/or medication a dog with MVD can live a pretty normal life. I'm not too sure about the prognosis of fatty liver though and if its a lot different then MVD.

[kjc]

Hi and Welcome to YT!

So sorry to hear about Lacey's problems. If you vet is recommending L/D,
they also make it wet (canned). The canned is chicken based, the kibble is pork based. Mine loves it, but not so much at first.

Other stuff to add would be hardboiled egg whites, cottage cheese, carrots, apples, cherrios, Gerber Puffs (assorted flavors), and almost any fruit or vegetable I have around. Check the 'Sticky" for foods not to feed a dog first though and discuss other options with your vet.

Just watch the protein level, many dog treats are high protein, so I don't feed them.

[terrierfan]

I asked my Vet regarding the Cherrios. So I went out and bought some. She thought yum but she but her nose to it and she backed away from it. I think its becasue it was new to her. I did take her Hills food and baked it for her. I think she has no idea its her dog food. She thinks its a treat. A friend told me that she might like the Royal Caine better. Haven't tried it yet. Oh my when we did her bile acid test...its suppose to below 13 my girls was 401 YIKES...My vet tells me she still could live a very long life still. We just got to watch what she eats. I bought some yougart to mix in with her dog food, which she doesn't mind. I bought veggies (Already hates carrots). My vet also told me about tofu, in which I have not tried yet. Im just at a lost in what I can feed my princess and that I know she will like it..

[Ellie May]

So she has hepatic lipidosis, right?
And is this MVD (microscopic shunting throughout the liver) or is she just shooting off multiple, smaller shunts?

What supplements is she on?

[terrierfan]

Ellie May, her biopsy did say severe hepatic lipidosis. And what they are telling me there is several shunts that they cold not fix because there are so many. They also did a culture on the liver to see if there was any kind of infection (none) they also did a copper test in which the results are not back yet.

[terrierfan]

Right now we just started Denamarin (only been on it for 2 days) she also taking Clavamox (which we started day before Surgery in which she is almost done with) and she also on Lactulose.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by Ellie May

So she has hepatic lipidosis, right?
And is this MVD (microscopic shunting throughout the liver) or is she just shooting off multiple, smaller shunts?

What supplements is she on?

Oh good Crystal, I am glad you are posting...Gosh 400 BAT

Baking the l/d is good, and like you mentioned, alot of LS babies do really well on the ROYAL CANIN Veterinary Diet® canine HEPATIC LS™ 14

As far as other foods, you really, really need to watch her protein gram intake. There is a formula (her weight) and how many protein grams she should get a day. And you know feeding 5 to 6 small meals a day (and possibly into the night) is recommended, so her liver isn't extremely over worked.

Were there any stones seen on the U/S?

Treats, cheerios like you said, matza (sp?), watermelon, apple bits (no skin), sweet potato (in moderation) you can even bake some like fries, romaine lettuce.

Children's Vanilla Pedisure (w/fiber) is ok to give on days that she refuses to eat

With her condition, not sure I would want to add any more protein to her diet than the Rx food.

Are you giving her any supplements?

My Roxy has MVD and I give her Hepato Support and Vetri DMG (both from HomeVet© Natural Pet Care)

You may also want to join this yahoo group. There are a few members with LS dogs that are UnOperable as well, and they are doing FANTASIC with the regimen they are on (diet and supplements), so they can give you some ideas and pointers...

DogLiverDisease : Dog Liver Disease

[kalina82]

Great Crystal is here! She can definitely help you out more then i can as she has lots of experience with liver issues.

[TLC]

Originally Posted by terrierfan

Right now we just started Denamarin (only been on it for 2 days) she also taking Clavamox (which we started day before Surgery in which she is almost done with) and she also on Lactulose.

GREAT! She really, really needs these.

P.S. Her poop should be like soft ice cream, and she should be going 2 to 3 times a day. If this is the case, then the Antib's and Lactulose are doing a good job.

[kalina82]

And i see Nicole here now too! excellent!

[TLC]

P.S. Please do not be upset! This is NOT a death sentence, you sound like a wonderful Momma, you work at a Vet office, and with the proper diet and supplements and precautions she could live a long happy life!

THANK YOU for SAVING HER

[terrierfan]

Thanks so much for the support. It really means alot to me and "Lacey" she's such a wonderful little girl who had such a bad beginning. My cairn terrier was so lost without her when she was in the hospital. I even took her out to the hospital for her to see her sister. They both were happy to see each other they kissed thru the kennel door!!!!